Friday, October 28, 2016

As the Chicago Cubs make baseball history with their first World Series appearance since 1945, members of the Responsible Budget Coalition held a unity demonstration on Monday at Wrigley Field, putting aside historic team rivalries to stand together, celebrate the Cubs’ victory, and make a united call for a fully funded, yearlong state budget.

The participants wore Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals jerseys and t-shirts to show support for their favorite teams even as they stressed their unity in demanding a fully funded state budget that meets the needs of the people who live in Illinois.

It includes organizations that serve children, families, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities; education groups concerned about early learning, K-12 and higher education; labor unions; faith-based and civic organizations; immigrant and refugee families; and many others.

They are a non-partisan, trusted source of information on state budget and tax policy and a leader in the fight to pass a budget that chooses revenue over cuts to vital services.

A study by the United Way of Illinois found that the budget stalemate resulted in lost services for nearly a million people statewide. That means one million men, women, and children have been denied mental health services, substance abuse treatment, child care, senior care, HIV prevention, even food programs – and that number doesn’t include the thousands who have lost their jobs because long-established agencies have been forced to close their doors. One recent poll found that one in three Illinois households report being directly harmed by the budget impasse.

"It’s amazing. Some of the seniors served by our member organizations hadn’t even been born the last time the Cubs were in the World Series," Bouman said.

"It’s time for our state leadership to stop asking us to sacrifice while they try to play us off against each other. They need to step up to the plate and pass a budget that’s a home run for all of us.”

Thursday, October 27, 2016

The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, requires employers to provide accommodations for employees and guests who have physical challenges. Part of the requirement involves making facilities accessible for those with mobility issues, including individuals using wheelchairs.

These rules are particularly relevant to government agencies that must follow ADA guidelines as well as mandatory purchasing rules.

To make ADA-compliant furniture, like lecterns and tables, more versatile and cost-effective, AmpliVox Sound System has designed a collection of height-adjustable options that fit the needs of all users with comfort and style.

At 6’ 8” in height, FBI Director James B. Comey towers over a standard height lectern, which would make press conferences and other presentations uncomfortable and awkward.

His staff contacted AmpliVox for a height-adjustable solution that would still convey the dignity of Comey’s official position.

AmpliVox engineers met the challenge with an adjustable version of the company’s classic Patriot Lectern.

AmpliVox’s 3040A/3045A Patriot Lectern combines an elegant, traditional appearance with a smooth, silent electric lift mechanism, allowing the lectern’s work surface to be set at any height from 36 to 56 inches with just the touch of a button.

The Patriot’s distinguished style commands respect with its solid lacquer-coated hardwood base and fabric-covered, customizable top. Its concealed, silent power lift mechanism allows the lectern to silently adjust to presenters of all heights. It can be equipped with wired or wireless sound systems.

As everyone who travels by air knows, TSA workstations have to stand up to near-constant use serving thousands of passengers every day.

Multiple officers cycle through the workstation positions during their shifts, and TSA wanted durable, versatile lecterns to serve this important security function.

AmpliVox answered the call with its Mobile Sentry Workstation, a height-adjustable steel lectern that agents can use from a seated or standing position and can easily move whenever necessary.

The Mobile Sentry features a unique height-adjustable work surface to make it comfortable and functional for any users of any height, and can be set for either standing or sitting as needed.

Constructed of heavy-duty steel with an attractive powder coat finish, the Sentry can be set in indoor or outdoor venues. The unit includes two adjustable shelves to accommodate equipment. The semi-gloss powder coated surfaces resist chipping, scratching, fading, and wear longer than any standard paint finish. Solvent-free powder coating is the most environmentally-friendly paint technology for metal products. The entire workstation moves easily on 4” heavy-duty casters, all four of which lock securely into position.

The Sentry has been put into use in over 100 TSA installations, reflecting the quality, versatility, and cost-effectiveness of its design.

Lecture halls in universities, hospitals, and other settings require lecterns that can serve any presenter and support multiple functions.

AmpliVox’s new ADA Compliant Lectern satisfies those needs with a silent electric lift mechanism for complete height adjustability, as well as a wide rear entry space for easy wheelchair accessibility.

A conveniently located rocker switch adjusts the lectern’s height anywhere from seated (31”) to standing (41”), allowing the same lectern to be used comfortably by all presenters.

Seated individuals appreciate the ease of entry and exit afforded by its oversized rear access area. Its wide configuration provides a spacious tabletop work surface as well as easy entry and exit at the rear of the lectern. The classic design of the lectern, with curved edges and an attractive oak finish, fits any government, academic, or professional venue.

AmpliVox’s extensive experience in working with government contracts has enabled it to develop products that meet the needs of both the public and private sector. New technologies for height-adjustability make ADA compliant furniture more cost-effective than ever, since the same lecterns can be used by all presenters comfortably. The challenge of meeting both GSA and ADA requirements leads to innovative new designs that are shaping the accessible workplace of the future.

Enhance your valet services with a portable valet podium from AmpliVox. This rugged, weatherproof unit is the perfect welcome stand for valet employees. Its brushed stainless steel working surface and tough 12 gauge steel construction provide years of extended use.

Its locking key cabinet provides storage for up to 100 keys. There is a locking drawer, and an optional locking tip box. There is even an umbrella holder. The unit rolls easily on four heavy duty 4”casters that lock firmly into place.

Extend your voice in large open spaces with the AmpliVox Mity-Meg Megaphones. They are ideal for crowd control, announcements in noisy environments or emergency services.

Mity-Megs are powered by either conventional batteries or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can be reused hundreds of times. A battery strength indicator shows you when it is time to recharge or replace the batteries. You can switch battery type anytime, so you are never out of power.

Mity-Megs lets you reach even far away audiences, use Mity-Meg not only to talk, but sound emergency signals.

The Mity-Meg Plus model has an adjustable shoulder strap and detachable mic with its own volume control, makes it easy to be heard loud and clear.

The SW800 Titan Wireless Portable PA System has been upgraded with a built-in Bluetooth® module that allows a user to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth® music-playing device.

Equipped with a powerful 100 watt amplifier, wired handheld mic with your choice of wireless microphone, and a luggage handle with wheels. You can also play your music with the built-in CD player, USB Flash Drive input, or through the SD slot.

It features an auxiliary iPod input and integrated electronics for a clear and full sound. The Titan PA system can either be plugged in using AC power or run on rechargeable batteries.

The Titan's lightweight design can reach up to 2500 people in room sizes of up to 10,000 square feet in optimal conditions.